Loving God bless and protect this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text from 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Our orders - backed up by the Master, Jesus - are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. 7 We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. 8 We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us. 9 And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious. 10 Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." 11 And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. 12 This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately - no excuses, no arguments - and earn their own keep. 13 Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.
If we ever find a perfect church, it will be comprised of 80% of the people doing 80% of the work needed. Wait, that's not perfect is it? One hundred per cent of the people would be doing one hundred per cent of the work in a perfect church, right? Well, in reality, the average church will have 20% of the people doing 80% of the work. Things haven't changed much since Paul wrote this letter. Somehow, the Christian church attracts some lazy folk, who know what to do, but for great reasons, they think, don't do the work. Should your marquee outside your church read, "Freeloaders Welcome"? Is it human nature for some to be lazy? Well, let's get personal. How is it with your soul? Are you a blessed, working for the Lord Christian? Or, are you one of these mentioned by Paul?
The message is a loving one, dear friend. We as the Church of Jesus Christ, have so much to do and we need all the help we can get in doing that work. We need folks to pray, to evangelize, to welcome, to prepare, to serve as officers, teachers, choir members, etc. The list is long as is the work hours needed. We all have a duty to God and we should do it.
PRAYER: Loving Father, I confess that I am among those who sometimes likes to slack off. I claim I am too busy or don't know how to do the work expected of me, but help me change. Let me be one who loves You and loves doing Your work. Remind me again and again of the importance of reaching those who have not yet been reached. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
